There have been many different reviews on this film, many of them criticizing the French on how they portray race. Before I continue my review, I have to say that I recognize that cultures other than our own have different viewpoints. There was never a moment in the film where I felt uncomfortable with the jokes, and going by the laughter in my theatre, I do not think I was the only one. I allowed myself to enter the French point of view, and I found myself smiling the whole time. If anyone were to take offense to this movie, I have not heard a complaint yet from other nonprofessional viewers. The television comedian, Omar Sy plays Driss, an ex-con who is looking to apply to every job he can in order to claim his unemployment benefit from the government. Thus, he applies to be Phillipe's caretaker, a rich quadriplegic who was injured in a paragliding accident. The incredible Francois Cluzet plays Phillipe, and right away, we are on his side. He has no self-pity or anger on account of his accident, and his positive attitude gets tested right as Driss steps into his home.
However, Phillipe, who is used to interviewing straight-edged, degree-laden medical students, is intrigued by Driss' sardonic and cocky demeanor, and hires him to be his full-time caretaker.
Driss is asked to move into Phillipe's mansion, and by the way he plays with and gawks at all the elaborate decorations, we know that Driss is not used to this kind of scene. Omar Sy is a charming actor, and even though Driss is a thief and a self-seeker, we come to root for his character as well.
Phillipe, before Driss' arrival, is cold with his staff and ashamed of his disability. He is still grieving over the death of his wife and feels constrained over his dependency on other people. However, when Driss enters the picture, Phillipe begins to take pleasure in the smaller things. He enjoys Driss' selfishness and ungratefulness because it allows no time for pity.
Quickly, yet believably, Driss and Phillipe become great friends. Their relationship is tested by other people and small conflicts, and at times, the audience may feel a comment from Driss has gone too far, but Phillipe smiles and lets out his endearing chuckle, and all is well. Although there are some heartwrenching moments, the film has an upbeat feel to it. It never crosses into the "depressing" mode because Phillipe, who has lived through horror, manages to appreciate the little things in life.
Every individual story within the film has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Some films have side stories that are never really tied up by the end. The Intouchables, however, manages to give a happy ending to all supporting actors which adds to the enduring bubbly feeling the film gives its audiences. Every character is initially suspicious of Driss, but by the end, everyone is won over by his charisma and carefree attitude. Driss provides adventures and hope for Phillipe, and Phillipe provides a home and friendship to Driss. The two end up saving each other, without either of them realizing it.
Overall, The Intouchables was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. And when I say this, I do not mean just as a foreign film. The entire mood of the film is contagious, and there is a unique allure to the characters that I have not seen for some time. There are parts that take your breath away, either by the beautiful French scenery or the realness of Phillipe and Driss' conversations. There are moments where your eyes water, either with emotion or with laughter. And even with the negative talk on racism that has been mentioned in many critiques of this film, The Intouchables and every actor from the film overcomes these offenses with an appealing and easygoing tone.
